“Let’s Ride as We Ride in Legacy and Victories”: Mike Savis Donates 5 Expensive and Luxurious Buses to Support Indiana Hoosiers…
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – June 19, 2025
In a groundbreaking act of generosity and Hoosier pride, philanthropist and lifelong Indiana University supporter Mike Savis has donated five state-of-the-art, luxurious buses to the Indiana Hoosiers athletic department, marking one of the largest private transport-based gifts in the university’s history. The donation, which has been hailed as a game-changing moment for student-athlete welfare, comes with the bold and proud slogan: “Let’s ride as we ride in legacy and victories.”
The announcement was made during a celebratory event outside the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, where the crimson-and-cream themed buses were revealed in front of hundreds of cheering fans, students, athletes, coaches, and alumni. With Hoosier spirit surging and the marching band playing the IU fight song, the unveiling quickly turned into a heartfelt homage to tradition, excellence, and community.
A Bold Gesture Fueled by Purpose and Passion
Mike Savis, a prominent IU alumnus, entrepreneur, and former track and field athlete at the university, made an emotional speech as he stood on the stage flanked by IU President Pamela Whitten, Athletic Director Scott Dolson, and representatives from various Hoosier teams.
> “This isn’t just about transportation,” Savis declared. “It’s about dignity. It’s about showing these young men and women that their sacrifices matter, that they deserve the best as they represent Indiana across the nation. These buses are symbols of our victories, our legacy, and where we’re headed next. When we say ‘Let’s ride,’ we’re talking about riding into history.”
The donation reportedly cost over $4.2 million, covering design, customization, branding, and logistical integration into the athletics travel system. Savis emphasized that the buses were a long-time dream of his—to give back in a way that directly impacts the day-to-day experience of student-athletes.
The Buses: A Rolling Legacy on Wheels
Each of the five buses is a technological marvel. Crafted in collaboration with a leading European luxury bus manufacturer, they combine innovation with Indiana pride:
Interior Amenities: Reclining massage leather seats, individual multimedia screens, satellite television, Bluetooth headsets, mood lighting, beverage stations, restrooms, and recovery areas.
Customization: Each bus is assigned to a category of sports—Football & Wrestling, Basketball (Men’s & Women’s), Olympic Sports (Track, Cross Country, Swimming), Baseball & Softball, and Women’s Sports.
Exterior Design: The buses are painted in deep crimson with cream accents and feature iconic images from IU’s athletic history: the 1987 basketball championship team, Mark Spitz’s Olympic glory, the “Old Oaken Bucket” football rivalry, and quotes from legendary coach Bob Knight.
Savis personally requested that each bus have the words “Legacy in Motion” engraved on its wheels and the tail-end feature the powerful phrase: “Let’s Ride – Together.”
Indiana Athletes React with Gratitude
The moment the buses were unveiled, tears and cheers filled the air. Athletes and coaches, many of whom have spent years traveling long distances under tough conditions, were visibly moved.
Senior linebacker Tyler Green, speaking on behalf of IU Football, said:
> “This is more than we ever expected. We’ve traveled on buses with broken seats and no Wi-Fi before, after tough losses or long days. This… this makes us feel valued. Like someone cares about our rest, our bodies, and our dignity. Thank you, Mr. Savis. You’ve made us feel like champions even before we hit the field.”
Women’s basketball captain Sasha Raynor added:
> “This is empowerment. When we show up to a tournament in one of these buses, it tells the world that Indiana is serious, and we take pride in who we are.”
Mike Savis: A Name Now Synonymous with Hoosier Heart
Though Mike Savis made his name in real estate and innovation technology, his heart has always been on the Bloomington campus. A 1993 graduate of the Kelley School of Business, Savis became one of Indiana’s leading sports boosters over the past decade.
Still, this donation surpassed anything he’d done before—and it wasn’t just financial.
> “I designed parts of these buses myself,” he admitted with a smile. “I wanted the lighting to help with recovery. I wanted storage that could safely carry gear without banging around. Every corner of these vehicles had to reflect Indiana pride.”
IU President Pamela Whitten praised Savis for his hands-on involvement.
> “Mike Savis represents the best of Hoosier Nation—not only because of his success, but because of his heart. This gift will impact hundreds of athletes every year. It’s a rolling reminder that at IU, we care deeply about our people.”
Athletic Department Response: “Transformational”
IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson called the buses “transformational” for the future of Indiana athletics:
> “We often talk about investing in facilities and staff, but athlete comfort and travel have long needed attention. Mike Savis’ gift is one of the most important in terms of day-to-day wellness. This changes how we recruit, how we recover, and how we represent IU on the road.”
Dolson announced that the buses would be integrated into official team use starting this fall and will reduce third-party transportation reliance by nearly 70%, saving long-term costs and ensuring consistent quality.
Hoosier Nation Rejoices: “Let’s Ride” Trends Nationwide
Almost immediately, Hoosier fans flooded social media with images and reactions. The hashtag #LetsRideIU trended regionally, with many fans already calling for a fan-viewing day for the buses.
Former IU basketball star Victor Oladipo posted:
> “Wow. Proud to be a Hoosier. Respect to Mike Savis for this next-level love for the school.”
Across the campus, students could be seen taking selfies in front of the buses and creating tribute reels on TikTok and Instagram. Chants of “Let’s ride!” echoed in student centers and coffee shops throughout the day.
“Let’s Ride” – A Philosophy, Not Just a Phrase
The phrase “Let’s ride” is more than a catchy motto—it’s now a campus mantra. It speaks of unity, motion, forward-thinking, and embracing the momentum of progress.
Savis ended his speech with this rallying cry:
> “Indiana isn’t just a place—it’s a movement. These buses carry our victories, our defeats, our learning, and our dreams. Let’s ride not just across states—but into a future where Hoosiers lead, inspire, and win.”
Looking Ahead: Hoosiers Rolling in Legacy
As the buses prepare to hit the road this fall, IU athletics enters a new chapter—one marked not only by competition, but by care, class, and commitment.
Coach Tom Allen of the Hoosier football team said it best:
> “These buses don’t just carry athletes—they carry dreams. They carry every ounce of blood, sweat, and tradition built into this program. And with leaders like Mike Savis behind us, there’s no doubt: we’re riding into greatness.”
So now, with crimson wheels rolling, Hoosier flags flying, and chants of “Let’s ride!” filling the air, Indiana doesn’t just travel—they arrive. In luxury. In legacy. And in the unwavering pursuit of victory.
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Let’s Ride – Because the journey is just as important as the win.
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